Last Updated on July 5, 2025 by Jamie Saechao

Learn how to make hard boiled eggs in the instant pot with this easy 5-5-5 method!

We love eating eggs around here. They are the perfect quick and healthy snack and make are so much fun dyeing at Easter time.

a pinterest pin with a photo of eggs that were cooked in the instant pot and are easy to peel

You may have caught my popular stovetop egg boiling recipe, but today I’m sharing how we quickly make perfect hard boiled eggs in the instant pot.

This cooking process results in eggs that are perfect every single time- the shells slide right off!

What Is The 5-5-5 Method?

The 5:5:5 method works like this: fives minutes cooking time on high in the instant pot, five minutes of released steam after hitting the quick release valve, and five minutes in an ice bath.

The pressure and steam within the instant pot work to create eggs with shells that slide right off- every time.

That’s it! It’s a simple, easy way to hard boil your eggs.

hard boiled eggs that have been cooked with an instant pot

Why You’ll Love Pressure Cooked Eggs

This easy way of cooking eggs takes advantage of the steam created in the pressure cooker. Here’s why you’ll love it:

This quick recipe gives you perfect eggs every time: the shells slide right off
Very little cleanup is required, just stick your eggs on the egg rack of your instant pot
The egg white and yolk are the perfect texture and you’ll get the same results every time
Use this easy method to meal prep eggs for your upcoming week
This healthy snack can be dressed up as deviled eggs or enjoyed plain

Ingredients

Eggs: brown or white eggs work
Water: You’ll need one cup of water for the ice bath and for the bottom of the instant pot
Ice: About one cup of ice for the ice water bath

Tools

There are a few special tools needed for these eggs:

Instant pot pressure cooker, 6 or 8 quart will work (you can also use an electric pressure cooker of your choice)
Steamer basket or egg basket that fits inside the pot

Instructions

Add one cup of cold water to the inner pot for a six quart insta pot (for an 8 quart use 1.5 cups).

Add 6-12 eggs into the egg basket or steamer basket.

six eggs being hard boiled in an instant pot using the 5-5-5 method.

Place lid on pressure cooker and set to cook for five minutes. While the eggs cook, fill a large bowl with water and add one cup of ice.

When the timer goes off, quick release the pressure valve for five minutes. (Natural release would be allowing the pressure to decrease gradually on it’s on. Instead, you are going to carefully force it to release).

eggs that were cooked in an instant pot and transferred to an ice bath

Using a slotted spoon transfer the eggs to the prepared cold water and let them sit for five minutes.

Tips

Yolk texture: Decrease the cook time to 4 minutes for soft-boiled eggs that have a creamier yolk.
Fresh eggs will be a bit harder to peel than older eggs, but they still peel easily with this recipe
Make sure to be safe when releasing the remaining pressure from your instant pot: keep your hands and face away from the steam valve
It’s easiest to peel the eggs right after they are done cooking.
Don’t overcrowd your pot or the eggs can crack- keep the number of eggs to 12 or less.

How To Peel

How to easily peel these eggs:

Rap the egg on the counter a few times
Gently push the egg down to expand the cracks
Slide your thumb under the edge of the shell, then lift up the edge of the shell and carefully peel it off

Notes On Cracking

Sometimes eggs do crack when boiled with this method. To prevent cracking, place your eggs in a single layer, and be sure to use a rack or basket.

Cooking Times For Egg Yolk Consistency

Cooking the eggs for five minutes will develop a specific style of egg: the yolks are firm and the egg whites are set. Here are a few variations of cooking times, in case you prefer a different texture to your eggs:

3 minutes: Wet yolks that are softer and runny
4 minutes: Creamier yolks – perfect for Deviled eggs
5 minutes: Firm egg yolks and whites (I love these for snacking)
6 minutes: Thick, firm yolks and firm egg whites, very done

eggs cooked in an instant pot with the 5-5-5 method

Storage

Once your eggs have cooled, peel them and store them in an airtight container. Refrigerate and consume within 3-4 days.

Unpeeled eggs can be stored for a week in the refrigerator. Do not leave cooked eggs at room temperature, they will spoil quickly.
I like to make a big batch on the weekend and enjoy them for snacks or lunch throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

This is the best way to make easy peel eggs and I hope you enjoyed this simple recipe.

I have found this to be a wonderful, mess free way to cook up a ton of eggs and enjoy them through the week. Let me know in the comments if you try it!